Multiple-tube pump



E. C. WEISKOPF ETAL Aug. 27, 1963 MULTIPLE-TUBE PUMP 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 20, 1960 FIG. I

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ATTORNEY Aug 27, 1963 E.c.w1:lsKoPr- ETAL 3,101,674

MULTIPLE-TUBE PUMP Filed Deo. 20, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3

CMQ.

ATTORNEY Aug 27, 1963 E. c. wElsKoPF l-:TAL 3,101,674

MULTIPLE-TUBE PUMP Filed Deo. 20. 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 5

@IMQ NC? f4 fi if 143 m4 'f a .102 56 ATTORNEY United States Patent Oi y MULTIPLE-TUBE PUR/W Edwin C. Weiskopf, Brewster, and Jack llsreeli, Tuckahoe, N.Y., assignors to Technicon Instruments Corporation, Chauncey, N Y., a corporation of New York' Filed Detail),v 1950, Ser. No. 77,137

2l Claims. (Cl. 10S-149) v This invention relates to pumps `of the` eompressible tube type especially useful in simultaneously pumping a plurality of fluids in predetermined relative proportions or at predetermined flow rates.

One object of the invention is to provide a multiple tube ternal diameters thereby helping to obtain maximum .durability or useful life lof thetubes together with optimum resilient rebound :of the tubes progressively along their lengths immediately following Lthe above described compression off the tubes.

Another object is the provision of a pump of the indicated type with means lfor supporting the tubes in a manner which increases the life of the pump tubes and reduces elastic fatigue. h

A further object is the-provision of a multiple tube pump which is constructed so as to increase the capacity of the pump in respectto the number of tubes which can be provided without a substantialincrease in the overall size of the pump. Ilhe above and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be more fully understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

-In the drawings: y

FIG. l is a top plan view of ay pump in accordance with the presently preferred embodiment of the invention .with parts in section;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational 'view of the pump with parts broken away, for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the pump, partly in section and with portions broken away, looking in the direction of arrow 3 of FIG. 2, with the tubes onone side of the pump in a retracted position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view on line 4-4 of FIG. 2, on

a langer scale;

. FIG. 5 is a sectional view on line 5 5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 isa view similar to FIG. 5 but showing a modification thereof;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view on line 7-7 of FIG. 4, :on alarger scale, illustrating the tubes in an inoompressed condition and the platens therefor;

FIG. S is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the tubes in a compressed condition; f

FIG. 9 is a detail sectional View taken on line`9-9 o-f FIG. 3; and v FIG. 10 is a Idetail bottom plan view taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 3.

Briefly described, the pumpfof the present invention comprises a series of resiliently compressiblre tubes which are disposed laterally of each other in side-by-side relation land in the illustrated preferred embodiment a similar series of pump tubes is provided in spaced confronting relation to the iirst mentioned series of tubes. Said tubes are preferably formed of poly vinyl chloride but can be madeof any other material so longas they are resilientlgy Certain of the tubes in each series arey oompressible. v v provided with different internal diameters 'so .that a. plu;- rality of iluids` in predetermined relative proportions may be simultaneously pumped. Disposed -in the spacebetween the seriesgof pump tubes is an `endless chain which carriesy a plurality of tube compressors or rollers which extend transversely of the tubes and are adapted tosi multaneously engage all of the tubes and thus operate on all' of the tubes by closing them along ya commontransf verse line lfor the tubes at each side of the chain so that movement of the vrollers longitudinally of the` tubesl causesV the fil-nids in the tubes to be propelled through said tubes: y by the action of the rollers for the pumping operation. A

Fllhe pump has an individual platenfor'eaeh tube and each of the platenshasa'groove in whichthel tube is disposed..

` 'llhe depth of the groove is slightly lessthan twice the :wa-ll thickness-of the tube to bepositioned therein so as to limit the pressure of the roller on the tube.

Referring now tothe drawings 1n detailythe 1 04 comprisesa base 12 which is-in the form of a housing for. the electric motor i4 which operates the pump at the de sired speed through conventional speed reduction gearing. A rigid plate lr6 iis secured to the top of the base and a vertical rotary shaft 18 operated by motor 14 extends' f through the top of the'base and throughplate 16. A` vframe member 20 is adjustably secure-d at its .lower end to plate 16 and also eXtendsvertical-ly upwardlyvk therefrom.- Although the pump is shown in its preferred position Withf fram-e member Z0 and motorvoperated shaft 18 in vertical v positions, it is within the scope :of this invention topositionthe pump :so that the frame member and the motor operated vshaft are in horizontal or other positions. u I. A plurality of :laterally spaced vertically extending tube compressors, here *shown as pressure rollers 22,v are mounted forciroulatory movement around yframe member 20. More speciiically,the ends of the rollers are mounted for rotational movement in the spaced pivotal connections ofthe links of the vertically spaced endless sprocket chains 24 and 225. As Ihere illustrated, the rollers .are separated from each other by. three links of 'the' sprocket chains which areengaged by the driving sprocket wheels 28 and the driven sprocket wheels 30. Sprocket wheels A28 lare xed to `sha-ft 18 and the upper endl of shaft 18- is mounted in a bearing which is provided in support member 32. Sprocket wheels 30 arev liXed to the yends,`1'e

. spectively, of a shaft 34 which is'mounted ,fortr'otation in frame member 20. kThe upperrand lower ends of frame member 20 are provided with end plates 36over 'which the sprocket chains 'move and the ends 38 yofthe end plates are curved to accommodate the sprocketwheels.

Frame member -20 is adjustably' secured onbase 12 between plate v16 and support member 62 bythe vertically extendingbolts I4) whose threaded I'ends are provided with nuts 42 which can be tightened to clampframe member 20 ybetween member 32 and plate 116. The lower ends of the bolts are provided with groves 44 (see FIG. 10) which areeugaged by (the` slotted ends 46 of the strap 48 to prevent rotation y:of the bolts during tightening of nuts 42. Slack in thesprocket chains can be eliminated by loosening nuts 42 andmoving frame member 20 to the nighlt, as viewed in FIG. 2, and for this purpose support member 32 is provided with elongated slots 50 and .plate .'16 is also provided with elongated slots 50 through which the bolts 41) extend. It will be understood that strap 48 is slidable on the .undersurface of plate 1'6. f

n Platen meansfor a kplurality of vertically spaced horizontally extending pump tubes 54 are disposed 'at each` Patented Aug. 27, 1963 u? trame member are removably mounted to a pivoted platen carrier 58 While thev platens on the other side of the frame memberare also removablymounted to a similar pivoted carrier 58. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 9, the pivot support :for each platen carrier com prises the laterally spaced parts 60 which are secured to .the lower ends of the carrier and straddle the extensions 62 which lare at the lower end of the trame member 20 surface contact with plate 16. A pivotpin 64 extends through parts i60 aud extension 62. It be noted, as bestA seen in FIG. 3, that the lower ends lof the carriers 58 and 58 and the lower surfaces orf parts 60 thereof form :dat supporting surfaces 66 4for the respective platen carrier which :extend upwardly `at an angle to the horiz'ontal surface of plate 16 when the platens are in their operative positions wherein the tubes 54 engage the tube compressing rollers 22, as shown 4with respect to carricr 58'.' When the carrieris pivoted into its retracted and inoperative position, as shown with respect to the carrier 558, surface y66 engages the upper surface of plate 16 which Iacts as a stop and a support for the carrier.

In the retracted or inoperative position of .fthe carrier, individual platens may be replaced or removed and individual tubes may be `replaced or removed as required or as necessary. A latch mechanism 68 is provided to lock the platen carrier in its operative position. The mechanism comprises a latch 70 pivotally mounted fon a block 712 which is secured tothe side of member 32. The latch is provided with a handle 74 and is biased by a tension spring 76 into engagement with the upper piu end 7 8 of the platen carrier, said pin end providing a catch member (for the latch. 'Ihe end `.of latch 70 has a slanting cam tace portion S which is engaged by catch member 78 when the platen carrier is moved from its retracted position into its operative position (and latch 7 0 is moved automatically to a retracted position until catch 7S clears the cam portion 80, after which latch 7() automatically moves under the force of spring 76 to its carrier locking or retaining position.

Each pump tube is made lof poly vinyl chloride or other suitable resiliently compressible material which enables the tubes to be compressed by rollers 22 into a collapsed condition to -force the lluids in the respective tubes longitudinally thereof as the rollers move progressively longitudinally ofthe tubes tor the pumping operation. Each platen '56 is a generally elongated member or rectangulai cross section and-has a longitudinally extending groove 82, in which the pump tube 54 extends. 'The ends 83 i ofthe platens are chamiered and the portions 'ot the tubes which extend trom the ends of the platens bend away lfrom the plane or the groove and are gripped by the tube retaining membersA 84 which are secured tothe platens by screws 85. Each member -84 has a slotted bent end `86 and the bent portion of the tube is provided with a collar 88` which engages a surface of end 86 to releasably hold the tube under slight tension longitudinally thereof in the groove of the platen. 4Each platen is releasably secured to the carrier 58 or 58' by guide pins 90 which are secured to the carrier by screws 92 screwed into the threaded ends of the pins. The pins are provided with shoulders 94- which are in abutment with one side of the carrier. rIlhe other ends of the pins are provided with enlarged portions 96 which extend into recesses 918 provided iu the platens and a resilient retaining ring 100` is provided at the entrance to the recess to prevent the enlarged portion ot the pin from inadvertently moving out or the recess during the operation of the pump. The retaining ring is held in position by the overlapping portions which define the aperture .2102 provided in member -84 through which the body olf the pin extends. The pins guide the movement of the platen on its carrier.

Each platen preferably carries a pair of compression springs 104 which provide a resilient mounting for each platen on the carrier. The platen is provided with a recess 106 tor each spring and the recess has an enlarged portion 108 at the inner end thereof into which the coil at the inner end ci the spring extends dior retaining the spring in the platen. The spring extends trom the platen into a recess Idil provided in the platen carrier. If desited, a single spring :104 may be provided as shown in FIG. 6 in lieu of the pair of springs shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

It is `apparent from the ttoregoing that each platen and fthe pump tube carried thereby may be easily removed from the platen carrier by moving the carrier into its retracted position as'shown with respect to carrier 58 in FIG. 3 and pulling the platen away trom the carrier while holding the carrier to prevent movement thereof, whereby the resilient retaining means 104iJ will move past the enlarged portion 96 the pins 90 and the platen will be disengaged from its carrier. During this disengaging movement the ends or springs 4 move out of recesses 110 of the carrier so that the springs for each platen are also removed when the platen is removed.

By providing each pump tube with its individual platen and by spring loading each platen individually it is possible to provide pump tubes with different and optimum wall thicknesses corresponding to the internal diameters of the respective tubes which assures life for the tubes and optimum elastic rebound. Referring to FIGS. 7 :and 8, tubes A, B, and `C are each of different internal diameters to provide different pumping rates and each pump tube can have a Wall thicknesscorresponding to the internal diameter of the tube so that the outer diameters or Seach tube also vary. The groove 82 of platen 5o for tube A has a depth which is equal to slightly less than twice the Wall thickness of the tube and has `a width which is wide enough to accommodate the tube in its collapsed condition with a slight amount orf clearance between the walls of the groove and the tube, as indicated in FIG. 8. Similarly, the grooves 82 in the platens `for tubes B vand C are also idimensioned to accommodate their respective tubes.

in the operation of the pump, the endless sprocket ychains 24 and 26 move in the direction indicated by the arrows a and b in FIG. 4 and move rollers 22 yalong the lengths of the tubes to yfully compress the tubes against their respective platens for the pumping operation, as shown in FIG. 8. It will be observed that the rollers which move in the direction of arrow a engage the series of tubes carried by carrier 58 and pump the iluids therein in a direction which is opposite to the direction of movement of the fluids being simultaneously pumped through the tubes carried by carrier -58 by engagement of said tubes by the rollers moving in the direction indicated by arrow b. Accordingly, the inlets for the tubes of carrier 58 and carrier 5S are in opposite positions, the inlets for the tubes of carrier 53 being indicated by arrow c and the inlets `for the tubes of carrier 58 being indicated by `arrow d.

The chamfered or inclined ends 83 of the platens permit the rollers 22 to engage the tubes gradually for the pumping operation and to -disengage the tubes gradually, thus avoiding abrupt increases and decreases in pressures which might otherwise occur. A minimum of two rollers vare lalways yengaged with the pump tubes and help keep the platens in parallel alignment with each other and movement of the platens on their springs is guided by pins 96 in recesses 98. As will be readily apparent -from FIG. 8, the pressure rollers 22 are prevented from exerting excessive pressures on the tubes since the edge surfaces 112 at the sides of the grooves in the platens provide stops for the rollers which limit their :compressing movement and in this manner excessive spring pressure is prevented from being applied to the tubes, thereby helping increase tube life. Because excessive pressure is prevented from being applied to the tube, the tubes do not stretch during use `and the tension of the tubes remains fairly constant thereby eliminating the necessity of increasing tension to maintain the tubes against the bottom surface of` their respective grooves.

While vWe have shown and described the preferred embodiment of our invention, it will be understood that the invention mayl be embodied otherwise than as herein Speciiically illustrated or described, and `that certain changes in the `form and arrangement of parts and in the speciiic manner of practicing the invention may be made without departing from the underlying7 idea or principles of this invention within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim: v

l. A pump, comprising a series of. exible resilient tubes disposed laterally offeach other for` the delivery of a plurality of fluids, another series of ilexible resilient tubes disposed laterally of each other for the delivery of a plurality of fluids, means supporting said two series 'of tubes in spaced relation, and means disposed in the space between said two series of tubes engageable simultaneously with each of said tubes at points intermediate their lengths, respectively, for simultaneously closing the tubes 'of one series along a common transverse line and for simultaneously closing the tubes of the other series along another common transverse line, said tube engageable means being movable progressively along the lengths of said tubes for progressively closing said tubes and thereby propelling the liuidsthrough their respective tubesy for vthe pumping operation.

2L A pump, comprising a series of flexible resilient tubes disposed laterally of each other for the delivery of a plurality of uids, -another series of exible resilient tubes disposed laterally of each other for the delivery of a plurality of fluids, means supporting s-aid two series of tubes in spaced relation, and means disposed in the space between' said two series of tubes engageable simultaneously with each of said tubes at points intermediate their lengths, respectively, for simultaneously closing the tubes of one series along -a common transverse line and for simultaneously closing the tubes of the other series along another common transverse line, said tube engageable means being movable progressively along the lengths of said tubes for progressively closing said tubes and thereby propelling the iiuids through their respective tubes for the pumping operation, said supporting means `comprising a series of platens for said tubes, respectively, against which said tubes are collapsed by said tube engageable means.

3. A pump, comprising a series of flexible resilient tubes disposed .laterally of each other for the delivery of a.

plurality of fluids, another series of flexible resilient tubes disposed laterally of each other for the delivery of a plurality of iiuids, means supporting said two series of tubes in spaced relation, some of said tubes of each series having diierent internal diameters and diierent wall thicknesses, respectively, and means disposed in the space between said two series of tubes engageable simultaneously with each of said tubes at ponts'intermediate their lengths, respectively, for simultaneously closing the tubes of one series along a common transverse line and for simultaneously closing the tubes of the other series along another common transverse line, said tube engageable means being movable progressively along the lengths of ,said tubes for progressively closing said tubes and thereby propelling the iluids through their respective tubes for the pumping operation.

4. A pump, comprising a series of ilexible resilient tubes disposed laterally of each other for the delivery of a plurality of lluids, another series of flexible resilient tubes disposed laterally of each other for the delivery of a plurality of iiuids, means supporting said two series of tubes in spaced relation, some of said tubes of each series having diierentl internal diameters and different wall thicknesses, respectively, and means disposed in the space between said two series of tubes engageable simultaneously with each of said tubesat points intermediate their lengths, respectively, for simultaneously closing the tubes of one series along a common transverse line and yfor simultaneously closing the tubes'k of the other series along another common transverse line, said tube engageable means being movable progressively along the lengths of said tubes for progressively closing said tubes and thereby propelling the iluids through their respective.V tubes l `for the pumping oper-ation, said supporting means'com- I, tively, means for supporting saidutu-bes in said laterally disposed relation comprising a plurality of spring supported members each having a longitudinally extending groove in which a tube extends, said grooves each having a depth equal to about twice the thickness of the wall of the tube therein, means engageable simultaneously with al1 of saidtubes at points intermediate their lengths,

respectively, for simultaneously closing said tubes along a common transverse line and movable progressively along their lengths to simultaneously and progressively close said tubes for the pumping operation, vand means engageable with said tube engageable means yfor limiting the tube closing pressure applied by said tube eng-ageable means to said tubes. v g

46. A pump, comprising a series of flexible resilient tubes disposed laterally of each other lfor the delivery of a. plurality of fluids, some of said tubes having dierent internal diameters and different wallthicknesses, respectively, means for supporting said tubes in said laterally disposed relation comprising `a plurality of spring lsupported ymembers each having a longitudinally extending groove inwhich a tube extends, said grooves each having a depth equal to about twice the thickness o-f the Wall of the tube therein, `and a roller engageable simultaneously with all or" said tubes and movable progressively along their lengths to `simultaneously compresssaid tubes :for the pumping operation, said grooves having tlat surfaces along the side -edges thereof which provide stops for said roller to prevent the application of excessive pressures to said tubes by said roller during the pumping opera-tion.

7. In a pump, platen means' for a plurality of resiliently compressible` tubes, `said platen means having a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves disposed laterally of each other to receive the Icompressible tubes in corresponding lateral rel-ation, means operable in conjunction with said platen means to simultaneously close the tubes in the grooves along a common transverse line and progressively along the lengths of the tubesl `for the pumping operation, said last mentioned means comprising a series of tube compressing rollers extending transversely of said grooves confronting relation therewith and movable longitudinally of said grooves for said pumping operation, and means operable to engage said pressure rollers and limit the pressure applied by said tube closing means to said tubes after the vlatter have been closed for the pumping operation, said last mentioned means having roller engaging surfaces for limiting the movement of said rollers against said tubes when said tubes are closed dur-ing said pumping oper-ation.

' 8. In a pump, platen means for -a plurality of resiliently compressible tubes, said platen means having a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves disposed laterally of each other to receive the compressible tubes in cor'- responding lateral relation, the depth of each groove being slightly less than twice the wall thickness of the tube to be positioned in the groove, and means operable in conjunction with'said platen means to simultaneously close the tubes in the grooves along a common transverse line and progressively along the lengths of the tubes for the pumping operation, said last mentioned means "comprising a series of tube compressing rollers extending transversely ofv said grooves in confronting yrelationthere'- with and movable longitudinallyof said grooves -for said pumping operation.

9. In a pump, platen means for a plurality of resiliently compressible tubes, said platen means having a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves disposed laterally of each other to receive the compressible tubes `in corresponding lateral relation, means operable in conjunction with Said platen means to simultaneously close the tubes in the grooves along a common transverse line and progressively kalong the lengths of the tubes for the pumping operation, said last mentioned means comprising a series of tube `compressing rollers extending transversely of said grooves in confronting relation therewith and movable longitudinally of said grooves yfor said pumping operation, means providing a resilient -force on said platen means during the operation of said tube compressing rollers in conjunction with said platen means, and means operable to engage Said pressure rollers and limit the pressure applied by said tube closing means to lsaid tubes after the latter have been closed for the pumping operation, said last mentioned means having roller engaging surfaces kfor limiting the movement of said rollers against said tubes when said tubes are closed during `said pumping operation.

l0. In a pump, platen means for a plurality of resiliently compressible tubes, said platen means having -a plural- .ity of longitudinally extending grooves ydisposed laterally of each other Ito receive the compressible tubes in `corresponding lateral relation, the depth of each groove being `slightly less than twice the wall thickness of the tube to be positioned in the groove, means operable `in conjunction with said platen means to simultaneously close the tubes in the grooves along a common transverse line and progressively along the lengths of the tubes for the pumping operation, said last mentioned means comprising a 'series of tube compressing rollers extending transversely of said grooves in confronting relation therewith and movable longitudinally of said grooves for said pumping operation, yand means providing a resilient force on said platen means during the operation of said tube compressing rollers vin lconjunction with said platen means.

1l. In a pump, platen means for a plurality of resiliently compressible tubes, said platen means comprising a plurality of individual spring loaded longitudinally extending platen members disposed laterally of each other for the compression of the tubes individually against a companion platen member and with the tubes disposed laterally of e-ach other corresponding to the lateral disposition of the platens, and means for releasably mounting said platen members in said laterally disposed relation, and means operable in conjunction with said platen means to simultaneously close said tubes along a common transverse line and progressively along the lengths of the tubes for the pumping operation.

12. In a pump, platen means vfor a plurality of resilient-ly compressible tubes, said platen means comprising a plurality of individual spring loaded, longitudinally extending platen men'tbers disposed laterally of each other for the compression of the tubes individually against a companion platen member and with the tubes disposed laterally of each other corresponding to the lateral disposition of the platens, each of said platen members having a longitudinal groove to receive the companion tube, and means operable in conjunction with said platen means to simultaneously close the tubes in the grooves along a common transverse line and progressively Ialong the lengths of the tubes for the pumping operation.

13. In la pump, platen mean-s for a plurality of resiliently compressible tubes, said platen means comprising a plurality of individual spring loaded longitudinally extending platen members disposed laterally of each other for the compression of the tubes individually Iagainst la companion platen member and with the tubes `disposed laterally of each other Icorresponding to the lateral disposition of the platens, means for releasably mounting said platen members in `said laterally disposed relation, Iand means operable in conjunction with said platen members to simultaneously close the tubes along a coml l mon transverse line and progressively along their lengths for the pumping operation. l

14. In a pump, platen means for a plurality of resiliently compressible tubes, said platen means comprising a plurality of individual spring loaded longitudinally extending platen members disposed laterally of each other for the compression of the tubes individually :against a companion platen member and with the tubes Adisposed laterally of each other corresponding to the lateral disposition of the platens, means for releasably mounting said platen members in said laterally disposed relation, means operable in conjunction with said platen members to simultaneously close the tubes along a common transfA verse line land progressively along their lengths for the' pumping operation, and means mounting said platen means and said tube closing means for relative movement toward and away from `each other to permit the mounting and removal of said platen members.

l5. In la pump, platen means for a plural-ity of resilient- 1y compressible tubes, said platen means having a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves disposed laterally of each other to receive the cornpressible tubes in corresponding lateral relation, means operable in conjunction with said platen means to simultaneously close the tubes in the grooves along a common transverse line and progressively along the lengths of the tubes for the pumping operation, said last mentioned means comprising a series of tube compressing rollers extending transversely of said grooves in confronting relation therewith and movable longitudinally of said grooves -for said pumping operation, means rEor mounting said platen means and said tube compressing rollers for relative movement to relatively retracted positions for the insertion of tubes therebetween and means operable to engage said pressure rollers and limit the pressure applied by said tube closing means to said tubes after the latter have been closed for the pumping operation, said last mentioned means having roller engaging surfaces for limiting the movement of said rollers against said tubes when said tubes are closed during said pumping operation.

16. In a pump, platen means lfor la plurality of resiliently compressible Itubes, said platen means comprising a plurality of individual spring loaded, longitudinally extending platen members disposed laterally of each other yfor the compression of the tubes individually against a companion platen member Iand 'with the tubes disposed laterally of each other corresponding to the lateral disposition of 'the platens, means operable in conjunction with said platen members to compress the tubes progressively along their lengths for the pumping operation, a carrier ttor said platen members, means for releasably supporting said platen members ou said carrier, tand means mounting said carrier and `said compressing means for relative movement to land -from relatively retracted positions.

17. In a pump, iirst platen means for la plurality of resiliently compressible tubes, second platen means Lfor a pluralityv of resiliently compressible tubes, means supporting said -irst and second platen means in spaced Irelation, and means disposed in the space between said Irst and second platen means and operable in conjunction .'With said platen mea-ns to simultaneously close the tubes progressively along their lengths for the pumping operation.

18. In a pump, lirst platen means :for ya plurality orf resiliently oompressible tubes, :second platen means tor a plurality of other resiliently compressible tubes, means supporting said rst and second platen means in spaced relation, and means disposed in the space between said iirst and second platen means and operable in conjunction with said platen means. to simultaneously close all of the tubes of said lirst platen means along la common transverse line and progressively along their lengths for the pumping operation and to simultaneously close all of the other tubes `along a common transverse line and progressively along their lengths ttor the pumping operation.

19. A pum comprising a series of ilexible resilient.

tubes disposed laterally of each yother for the delivery of a plurality of fluids, Vanot `rer series olfexible resilient tubes disposed llaterally of each other `tor the edelivery of a plurality of fluids, means supporting said two series of4 20. A pump, comprising a 'series of lexible resilient tubes disposed laterally of each other yfor the delivery of a plurality of fluids, another series of flexible resilient tubes disposed laterally of eaoh other lfor the delivery or" ya plurality of fluids, means supporting said two series of tubes in spaced relation, some `of said tubes of each series having different internal diameters and ydifferent wall thicknesses, respectively, 4and a series of pressure rollers disposed in the space between said two series of tubes engage/able simultaneously with each 'of said tubes `at points intermediate their lengths, respectively, for simultaneousl 1l) tubes and'thereby propelling the iluids through their respective tubes for the :pumping operation,

21.' In la pump, platen means -for supportingv a plurality of laterally spaced resiliently ilexible tubes, la ser-ies off pressure rollers operable in conjunction with said platen means and movable longitudinally along the lengths of said tubes to simultaneously olose said'tubes along a common tnansverse lline and progressively along lthe lengths tot the tubes -ior the pumping operation, and means operable to yengage said pressure rollers and limit the pressure Iapplied by said tube closing means to said n tubes 'after the latter have been closed for the pumping ly `closing the tubes of oneseries along a eolmmon transf,

verse line and for simultaneously closing the tubes of the other series along another common transverse line, said pressure rollers Ibeing movable progressively tall-ong the lengths of said tubes tor progressively closing said operation, said last mentioned means having roller engaging surfaces |for 4limiting the movement of said rollers against said tubes when said tubes are closed during said pumping operation.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 757,838 Great Britain Sept. 26, 1956 

1. A PUMP, COMPRISING A SERIES OF FLEXIBLE RESILIENT TUBES DISPOSED LATERALLY OF EACH OTHER FOR THE DELIVERY OF A PLURALITY OF FLUIDS, ANOTHER SERIES OF FLEXIBLE RESILIENT TUBES DISPOSED LATERALLY OF EACH OTHER FOR THE DELIVERY OF A PLURALITY OF FLUIDS, MEANS SUPPORTING SAID TWO SERIES OF TUBES IN SPACED RELATION, AND MEANS DISPOSED IN THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID TWO SERIES OF TUBES ENGAGEABLE SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH EACH OF SAID TUBES AT POINTS INTERMEDIATE THEIR LENGTHS, RESPECTIVELY, FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY CLOSING THE TUBES OF ONE SERIES ALONG A COMMON TRANSVERSE LINE AND FOR SIMULTANEUOSLY CLOSING THE TUBES OF THE OTHER SERIES ALONG ANOTHER COMMON TRANSVERSE LINE, SAID TUBE ENGAGEABLE MEANS BEING MOVABLE PROGRESSIVELY ALONG THE LENGTHS OF SAID TUBES FOR PROGRESSIVELY CLOSING SAID TUBES AND THEREBY PROPELLING THE FLUIDS THROUGH THEIR RESPECTIVE TUBES FOR THE PUMPING OPERATION. 